Maine pubcaster ponders future of classical music after host’s departure

Maine Public Broadcasting is rethinking its approach to classical music, with the upcoming departure of a radio host and a strategic plan that calls for more news and information programming, according to the Morning Sentinel in Skowhegan.

Morning Classical host Suzanne Nance recently announced her plan to move to WFMT in Chicago later this summer. "Listeners immediately expressed concern for the future of classical music on MPBN," the newspaper said, which in April announced layoffs due to reductions in state and federal funding.

"We can offer more news and information, more programming and more choice," Vogelzang told the newspaper. "But with all of that, we need the financial support to get there."

Options include moving classical music to a dedicated, 24-hour broadcast station of classical music, or an online channel.

UPDATE: Vogelzang told Current that MPBN continues to have "a strong commitment to classical music," with an announcement coming soon regarding its future on the network.

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